Centurion Root finally falls

Joe Root fell short of an Ashes double-century and so hastened an England declaration which set Australia a mammoth, world-record 583 to win the second Investec Test at Lord's.

England, who lost just two wickets in the entire third day, did likewise in 15 minutes of the fourth morning to finish on 349 for seven declared.

Realistically, Australia must therefore bat out almost two days to avoid going 2-0 down with three matches to play.

The presumed intention this morning from the hosts was to allow Root (180) an opportunity to convert his overnight 178 not out into a maiden 200.

But after losing Jonny Bairstow caught-behind trying to force back-foot runs off Ryan Harris to end their stand of 62, and then seeing Matt Prior poke a simple return chance back to Ashton Agar only to be dropped on one, Root himself succumbed.

His attempt at a cheeky ramp shot over his left shoulder off Harris instead looped down to third man to give the Australia seamer two wickets in four balls and end Root's near eight-hour stay, as well as the England innings he had overseen throughout.